Rebels giving Leafa another chance

RUGBY UNION: Rebels coach Tony McGahan has made two changes for tonight's match against the Hurricanes at AAMI Park, as the Melbourne team fights for survival in the 2013/14 Super Rugby season.

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Halfback Ben Meehan returns to the squad of 23 in place of Nic Stirzaker (ankle), and hooker Pat Leafa (pictured), who scored his first try for the club in the 22-16 loss to the Sharks last Friday, replaces Shota Horie in the starting line-up.

McGahan said he was delighted to see Leafa work his way back into the top 15.

"Pat's work off the bench has really given him an opportunity to start now," McGahan said.

In tonight's other game the Chiefs have made some personnel and positional changes for their match against the Blues, with prop Ben Tameifuna and lock Michael Fitzgerald both named to start.

Bundee Aki also comes in at inside centre with Tim Nanai-Williams moving to outside centre to replace the injured Charlie Ngatai.

For the Blues, George Moala has been promoted from the bench to start at centre, after injuries to Francis Saili (ankle) and Jackson Willison (hamstring).

Meanwhile, the Brumbies have received a boost ahead of their game against the Sharks at home tomorrow night, with halfback Nic White signing a two-year deal that will take him through until the end of 2016.

The 23-year-old was impressive during his maiden Test campaign in 2013, and will be keen to add to his 10 international caps as the Wallabies build towards next year's World Cup.

"At both national and provincial level, I feel like I have more to build on and more to contribute, so staying in Australia was always the best option for me," White said.